Despite rife trade rumors about Jordan Poole, he still has the support of his coach Steve Kerr moving forward.
Kerr says he considers his young guard to be a building block at Golden State, as they look to do better next season after their second round playoffs exit at the hands at the Lakers.
“Absolutely,” Kerr said. “I called him one of the Foundational Six at the end of last season, and I still believe that.”
Poole signed a $128 million extension last summer, which kicks in this upcoming season.
The 23-year-old had disappointing performances all season long, which culminated in a ghosting of sorts during the postseason.
It isn’t just the on-court issues that have these rumors circulating.
Golden State’s governor Joe Lacob and his front office will be dealing with an untenable luxury tax bill if they don’t move at least one core player over the summer.
Moving Poole’s $28.7 million salary for next season seems like a good way to cut costs.
However, Poole hasn’t had an easy eight months.
Kerr knows that a pre-season punch from Draymond Green haunted Poole the entire season and that when he does play well, he provides vital support for Steph Curry.
“He helped us win a lot of games,” Kerr said of Poole. “He helped us win a championship a year ago. He would be the first to admit it wasn’t his best season. But that’s how these things go. That’s how careers go. As his coach, it’s my job to help him get better and help him really find his groove and find a good comfort zone next year.”